The TMJ And Jaw Pain Solutions In North Portland

Ever wonder why your jaw might make clicking sounds or even hurt when you’re talking or chewing? The area involved the temporomandibular joint and it is known to cause problems in millions of people… in fact, this joint is the top reason for jaw pain. See how TMJ pain in Portland can be helped with chiropractic care at North Portland Wellness Group.

Where is it located?

It’s the discs that connect the skull and the jaw together. If they aren’t moving properly they create jaw pain or that clicking sound.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of TMJ pain include:

• Headaches
• Pain in your jaw, ear, the sides of your head and in your neck
• Pain with opening and closing your mouth
• Jaw clicking and popping
• Locking of your jaw
• Sore muscles in your neck and jaw

What can a Portland chiropractor do for TMJ pain?

I’ve had a lot of success with treating patients with TMJ pain. It usually involves assessing the musculature of the neck and the jaw. We also assess the temporomandibular joints on both sides too. For treatment, there is usually intraoral work done to assess the joints from the inside the mouth. There is often immediate relief after this work is done. If need be, the cervical spine is adjusted as well. After the appointment, my patients with TMJ are given therapeutic exercises to help combat future symptoms of TMJ pain on their own at home.

When is it serious?

I wanted to make sure I added in a portion here about knowing the differences between TMJ pain and a heart attack. It is important to be able to distinguish signs of a heart attack, because heart attacks can also cause jaw pain. You’ll have other signs and symptoms if you’re having a heart attack though, including:

• Chest tightness
• Chest pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness, pain or pressure in your arms and neck that spread to your jaw
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Cold sweats
• There is often a feeling or sense of “impending doom”